At Adagio we're always trying to find new and exciting products to enhance your event experience.  Call Katy for info on how to order!


LINDISFARNE MEDE!
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, England, is believed to have been the magical kingdom of Camelot.  Mead is a honey-wine known as the "drink of kings" since Ancient Egypt.  Put the histories together and you have a product that was named by PBS's "The Thirsty Traveler" as "the best mead in the world!"
When the Norse overtook the monastary in 5th Century, they brought with them the tradition of "Honey-Moon," drinking the honey-wine nightly through the first moon cycle of a marriage with hopes of improving the odds of conceiving a male heir.
If you're thinking of that nasty stuff they serve at the Renaissance fairs, this is NOT that!  Lindisfarne is more like a white version of port wine.  Considered an aphrodisiac in many cultures (including Katy-land!), there is no equal in richness of Lindisfarne's bouquet, flavor, and history.  Let Katy place an order for you!  www.partnersinspirit.com

SEND OUT CARDS!
You're going to love this!  Open an account, attach a dollar amount, upload your address list, choose a card, write your message, upload a photo if you want, hit the button -- and magically your thank you cards, birthday cards, holiday cards, even "thinking of you" cards are printed, addressed, stamped, sealed, and mailed.  And you NEVER licked a single envelope!  How easy is that!?  There is also a calendar program so you never forget a birthday or anniversary again.  Let me help you send a card today to show you how it works!
http://www.yourcardguy.com

TAKE SHAPE FOR LIFE!
This amazing program uses meal replacements and real food to bring real and substantial weight loss -- fast!  One Adagio bride lost 70 pounds in just four months before her wedding!  And if you choose to become a health coach, the financial rewards are excellent!  Let me put you with Tonja so she can get you details!

PASSION PARTIES!
Even in midlife, it amazes me how much I don't know about the human body and sexuality.  Lucky that one of my brides is also a passion consultant!  Do you know what it takes to bring out the passion in your mate?  REALLY?  Are you sure?  Let me put you in touch with Tanya so she can share some new ideas with you!  www.temptationsbytanya.com

MONAVIE!
I wasn't a believer til I tried it myself.  Having proper vitamins and nutrients helps one to focus, promotes heart health, and improves the immune system.  This is so much more yummy than a multi-vitamin -- and just as easy.  Let me get you a sample bottle!

CUSTOM WEDDING GARTERS!
Not finding the perfect garter to match your colors and theme?  No worries!  Let Adagio add bows, ribbon, or notions to make your garter a one-of-a-kind creation!  Call Katy for details and pricing.

JUMP BROOMS!
The tradition of "jumping the broom" came from a small group of African villages at the height of America's slave trade.  The elder women start the ceremony by "sweeping up the dirt of the past," cleaning the path to the newlyweds' future.  The broom is placed on the ground for the couple to jump over, before starting on the path to their new life together.
Let Adagio custom design your jump broom to match your wedding colors and theme to become a keepsake for all time.  Call Katy for details and pricing.

Bridal Shows 101!
Your first bridal show can be an overwhelming experience.  The smaller boutique shows may have up to 40+ vendors for you to interview and examine.  The big shows, like Bridal Showcase at Cal Expo, will take every ounce of perseverance and a solid game plan to make it worth your while.
Note: Grooms, please don't leave these important decisions for the bride to handle herself.  It's not fair to her - or to you!  Go with her, and take a pro-active stand.  Consider it to be a hunting trip, a safari.  You are sorting through the herd to find the trophy vendors for your event.
1. Create a custom e-mail address.  You don't want all of us vendors invading your personal or work e-mail accounts.  As soon as you get engaged, create a special e-mail just for wedding business -- and CHECK IT OFTEN!
2. Pre-register!  You can receive substantial discounts on admission (maybe even free!) if you pre-register.  If you are trying to avoid the post-show spam, it won't work.  They will be collecting the same info at the front door.  Know that only the vendors in attendance get the registration list -- you've already met them.
3. Bring address labels!  This is a GREAT project for the grooms.  Each vendor that you talk with will ask you to register your information with them individually.  (Vendors need to know who is truly interested in them versus who just came to the show.)  Bring sheets of address labels with names of the bride and groom, mailing address, phone numbers, e-mail address, and wedding date. 
And please, if you are not interested, don't give false contact information.  Just say "no, thank you."
4. Eat a solid, healthy meal before admission.  Depending on the size of the show and how excited you get with the vendors, you could wander the aisles for hours.  Brain and body needs to be on full alert!  Just leave a little room for catering and cake samples.
5. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.  Bridal show floors are usually very hard concrete, and you don't want your feet hurting halfway up the third aisle.  Also, check the show's website for dress code and baby stroller rules.
6. Bring a pen and pad of paper.  After talking to all those vendors, you won't remember the names of the ones that really impressed you.  What really struck you?  The display?  Photo album?  Their personality?  Take notes that will jog your memory later. 
7. Bring a cloth bag for goodies.  Many shows provide a bag from a vendor, but the glue doesn't always hold that well.  Think green and be safe by bringing a cloth bag to collect show materials. 
8. Post-show review.  Check their brochure, website, and ask other vendors who they like to work with.  The good vendors will keep rising to the surface. 
Finally, call to see if or how your top choices handle the phone.  Did they answer?  If not, how quickly did they return your call?  Do they sound confident?  Understand that many vendors hold jobs outside of the wedding industry, so it might take a day to call you back.

Would you like Katy to join you on your bridal show safari?  Call 916/838-1565!


COST CUTTING IDEAS!
Hey, in this crazy economy, every bride has to be especially careful as to how she spends her budget.  Here are a few ideas that might help...
1. Reduce flowers in your design. Use items that reflect you, such as books, antiques, or even tennis shoes as vases! Add votives and a sprinkling of petals to dress it up. You can also save through wholesale floral dealers and online companies that do great work. Let Adagio guide you to some terrific vendors.
2. Every person you invite is a person you have to feed. Family politics are always a concern, but at $25 - $100 per plate, one can't afford to play politics anymore. Think about creative announcements to send afterward for those less important on the list.
3. Backyard weddings are not cheaper.  Yep, it's true!  Backyard weddings require renting tables, chairs, linens, plates, flatware, equipment for food safety, and even port-a-potties. (Do you really want 120 people using your bathroom?)  And don't forget about added insurance, parking, and those nasty city/county permits.  Before you decide on a backyard wedding, ask Adagio about venues that will be totally gorgeous and surprising affordable. You will be pleasantly surprised!
4. Paper plates are NOT cheaper than china!  Depending on the pattern, it's actually CHEAPER to rent china than to buy paper plates!  It also looks better, holds up to the food, and is environmentally friendly. And by the time you check out the costs of paper and plastic for napkins and flatware, to rent the real stuff is equally attractive. So think green (money and environment), and go with the good stuff!
5. Wedding dresses don't have to cost a fortune.  There are seven different basic design styles that ALL clothing starts with.  Start by trying on several different styles.  (TOTALLY different styles, not different versions of the same thing.)  Once you find your style, take a look at the clearance racks, shop online (even E-Bay), consignment stores, or RENT.  (Yes, you can rent a wedding dress.)  Adagio can help you with the search.  Give a call if you want me to come along for a fitting.

Have you got some ideas?  E-mail them to me at adagioevents@yahoo.com!